RRI.CO.ID, Denpasar - Rabies remains a persistent challenge in Denpasar, Bali. At the start of 2026, a positive rabies case was confirmed in the West Denpasar area, prompting immediate city administration action.

Ni Made Suparmi, Head of the Livestock and Animal Health Division at the Denpasar Agriculture Agency, confirmed on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, that a stray dog tested positive for the virus in January. In response, authorities launched a door-to-door vaccination campaign to contain the spread.

To date, the agency has vaccinated approximately 2,094 rabies-transmitting animals (HPR), reaching 2.48% of the estimated 84,369 total population. Officials plan to accelerate this effort throughout the year.

“Our goal for 2026 is to achieve a vaccination coverage of 92.7% of the total HPR population in Denpasar. This target is an increase from last year’s realization of 92.61%,” she explained.

To ensure the program's success and suppress case numbers, the department is collaborating with local villages and subdistricts. Public education remains a cornerstone of the strategy, with a focus on responsible pet ownership.

“Our teams are educating the public on the importance of not letting their pets roam free. Additionally, residents are asked to stay vigilant of their surroundings, particularly regarding new dogs with unknown origins,” she said. 

Ni Made Suparmi further urged the community to refrain from transporting pets, especially potential rabies carriers, across regional borders into Denpasar. Residents are also encouraged to report any new or stray dogs to local neighborhood heads, so that vaccinations can be administered promptly. (Annaila Azzahra/Bambang MBKA)